How Airplanes Prevent Their Fuel Tanks From Freezing

Airplanes must take precautions to prevent their fuel tanks from freezing. If ice forms inside of an airplane’s fuel tank, it may starve the engine or engines. Turbine engines require jet fuel. Without a constant supply of jet fuel, they … Read More

What Is a STOL Airplane?

There are other types of airplanes besides narrow body and wide body. Short takeoff and landing (STOL), for instance, is an alternative type. Most STOL airplanes are still classified as narrow-body airplanes. But STOL airplanes are designed specifically for use … Read More

Do Airplanes Need Air Filters?

Air filters are a common part of most automobiles. Cars, trucks, SUVs are other automobiles typically feature multiple air filters. While available in different types, all air filters are designed to remove particulate matter from the air. As air travels … Read More

What Is a Magneto and Why Do Airplanes Use Them?

Magnetos are commonly found on small airplanes. They supply power to an airplane’s engines. All airplanes, of course, have at least one engine. Some of them have two or more engines. To keep these engines running, many small airplanes rely … Read More

Plug Doors: How Airplane Doors Seal Themselves

Plug doors are a common part of many airplanes. When boarding an airplane, passengers will typically enter through a plug door. Airplanes may contain other types of doors. Cargo doors, for instance, feature a different design. Nonetheless, plug doors provide … Read More

Why Nitrogen Is Used to Fill Airplane Tires

Airplanes feature inflated tires that are able to absorb the shock of landing on a runway. Unlike the tires on cars and trucks, though, they aren’t inflated with air. Most airplanes feature nitrogen-inflated tires. Nitrogen gas is pumped into the … Read More

What Are Tube Cutters and How Do They Work?

Tubes are often used to carry water and other fluids through airplanes. When building an airplane, you’ll typically need to install tubes. Cutting tubes, of course, can be difficult without the right tool. While it’s possible to cut polyvinyl chloride … Read More

An Introduction to Turn and Slip Indicators

Airplanes are equipped with a variety of flight instruments. In the cockpit, most airplanes have a turn and slip indicator. It’s part of the “six pack.” The term “six pack” refers to a collection of a half-dozen flight instruments for … Read More

How to Choose Clevis Pins

Are you looking to buy clevis pins? Clevis pins offer a convenient alternative to traditional fasteners like bolts and rivets. As shown in the adjacent photo, they feature a flat head and a cylindrical shank. Near the bottom of the … Read More